LAUSR

OBJECTIVE To synthesize existing research on communication practices between healthcare professionals and overweight and obese pregnant women. METHODS Following PRISMA guidance on conducting scoping reviews, we included original research addressing communication/counseling practices of healthcare professionals with overweight and/or obese pregnant women, published between 2008-2018, and available in English. Fourteen articles are included in this review. RESULTS Study findings were organized into three themes: (a) topics addressed during encounters, (b) providers' comfort/confidence, knowledge and methods in communicating with overweight/obese pregnant women, and (c) overweight/obese pregnant women's experiences in communicating with healthcare providers. The most prevalent topics addressed were gestational weight gain, physical activity, and nutrition. Healthcare professionals experience discomfort and are reluctant to address weight status with overweight/obese pregnant patients, use vague statements about weight gain and weight-related obstetric risks, and report low confidence when counseling obese pregnant women. Overweight/obese pregnant women perceive weight stigma when interacting with providers. CONCLUSION Weight-related counseling in obstetric care is suboptimal. Providers may benefit from training to more confidently and effectively counsel overweight and obese pregnant women about gestational weight gain, physical activity, and nutrition. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Patients perceive weight stigma in the obstetric setting, which may be prevented by effective, patient-centered communication.